The father, who cannot be named to protect the boy’s identity, is now under investigation after claiming his act in the Cuchilla de Padierna part of Mexico City, was “just a prank”
Dramatic photographs show a dad abandon his five-year-old son on a city street and drive away, police say.
The dad is now under investigation after claiming his act was “just a prank”. However, police say CCTV footage captures the youngster being forced out of the silver vehicle in the Cuchilla de Padierna part of Mexico City.
It is then seen moving away from the little boy who, distressed, appears to try to chase after it on foot. He was heard pleading: “Dad, don’t leave me” by alleged witnesses in the neighbourhood around 15 miles south of the city centre. When the horrified neighbours heard the boy’s screams at around 9.15pm on Monday night, they called police.
Upon being confronted by police, the father reportedly claimed the abandonment was “just a prank” and that he was merely mucking around. However, his details — along with the child’s — were taken for a formal investigation by the Public Ministry.
When police tracked down the man’s car, they found the boy safe and sound inside. It is unclear where and when the pair became reunited. Authorities in Mexico City, though, are said to be probing the case as a matter of potential child endangerment and psychological mistreatment.
They have interviewed neighbours as witnesses, with one describing in local media how they saw and heard an “alarming” scene unfold on Easter Monday. They added their heart was filled with “rage” at the sight of the small child running helplessly in the middle of the street.
Now, the boy, who cannot be named due to his age, is currently being monitored by child protection services as officials determine if it is safe for him to remain in his father’s care.
